Impaired driving charge laid after vehicle found in Manitoulin Island ditch

A blurred image of an Ontario Provincial Police vehicle to simulate impairment released on social media by Manitoulin OPP. (File photo/Ontario Provincial Police/Facebook)

A 46-year-old man from Barrie is facing impaired driving charges after a vehicle ended up in a ditch on Highway 6 last weekend.

Ontario Provincial Police responded to a call about the single-vehicle crash near Gravelle Road in Curtin Township at about 5:15 p.m. on Aug. 17.

According to a news release, police conducted an investigation at the scene, which led to an arrest.

“Police attended the location and completed a standardized field sobriety test with the driver, and as a result, the driver was arrested for impaired operation,” OPP said.

Police did not report any injuries as a result of the collision.

As a result of the investigation, the motorist was charged with impaired driving and driving a vehicle with cannabis readily available.

In addition to the charges, the man received a 90-day driver’s licence suspension and the vehicle involved was impounded for seven days.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court in Espanola on Oct. 6.

Authorities remind the public of the dangers of impaired driving

In a news release related to the incident, the OPP included a standard reminder to motorists about the dangers of impaired driving.

“The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving,” police said. “If you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to ‘Make the call’ and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.”